On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau painstakingly explained to students in Kapuskasing, Ont., how the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project is a central pillar of his government's agenda.

Less than 24 hours later, the Federal Court of Appeal quashed the government's approval of the project, imperilling the pillar holding up Trudeau's signature promise to tackle climate change by balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

Moreover, it underscored a gap between rhetoric and action when it comes to Trudeau's oft-stated vow to make reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples his top priority.